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Monday, 18 May 2015

Van Gaal: I can't persuade De Gea to stay at Manchester United

The Spanish goalkeeper has been heavily linked with a move to Real Madrid and his manager understands that deciding whether or not to leave Old Trafford will be tough

Louis van Gaal has admitted that David de Gea faces a difficult decision regarding his Manchester United future but says that he cannot force him to stay at the club.

United and La Liga giants Real Madrid will go head-to-head this summer in the battle to secure De Gea, with the former Atletico Madrid goalkeeper, who has arguably been Van Gaal's stand-out performer in the 2014-15 campaign, out of contract in 2016.

And when asked about De Gea's future following United's 1-1 draw with Arsenal on Sunday, Van Gaal remained cautious and insisted that the player will ultimately decide where his future lies.

He told reporters: "A transfer is an individual thing, it is a process. He has to decide. We have given a fantastic contract [offer], we want that he stays. He's had a fantastic season.

"I analyse also his position. He is Spanish, he is a Spanish international, still behind [Iker] Casillas, now a Spanish club is coming. His girlfriend is Spanish. His father and mother come every two weeks to watch him. It is difficult for him."

Asked if Madrid had made an offer for De Gea, Van Gaal added: "I don't know. I don't think I can persuade him [to stay]. He knows everything that he has at the moment at Manchester United.

"I don't have to say something in benefit of Manchester United because he can feel it every day. Unbelievable that reaction [from the United fans after he was substituted against Arsenal]. When he is going, he is losing that. Here he has a lot of credit. He has to decide."

Regarding Victor Valdes and whether the former Barcelona goalkeeper could become his new No.1, Van Gaal said: "You have to wait and see, I cannot say anything about transfers. First I shall talk with the players and at the end with the media and not upside down."